The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur

November 11Written Words

A written word is the choicest of relics. It is something at once more intimate with us and more universal than any other work of art. It is the work of art nearest to life itself. It may be translated into every language, and not only be read but actually breathed from all human lips;—not be represented on canvas or in marble only, but be carved out of the breath of life itself.

Henry David Thoreau—Walden (1854)

If you're one of the lucky ones, your parents hung on to a box of possessions from their parents. And in that box was a collection of beautifully scripted, thoughtfully crafted handwritten letters and notes.

People don't hand-write notes anymore, but we should.

Notes are a powerful way to express gratitude. These days the recipient will be pleasantly surprised, but the aspect of note writing that people underestimate is how much the formal act of sharing your kind thoughts will do for you.

Sure, emailing, texting, liking as you scroll, are all a lot easier. But stepping back and taking a moment to express your thanks, recognize an accomplishment, or simply compliment someone on the loving relationship they have with their child via an age-old mechanism requiring a stamp for delivery is good medicine for all.

Don't expect a response or action on the part of the recipient; just put two or three of these into the world each day and witness how good this simple act makes you feel.

Challenge Question

1. Who will you send your first handwritten ...